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FROM US$8,240-US$8,670

Defassa Waterbuck Safari

Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.

Defassa Waterbuck Safari: Summary

Defassa Waterbuck Safari in a nutshell

This relaxed safari moves from the southern side of Kafue National Park to the far north, offering exploration of a range of habitats and their diverse mix of flora and fauna from three small, owner-run camps.

The trip begins beside Kafue River in the small and environmentally conscious KaingU Lodge which offers a great mix of activities including 4WD safaris, night drives and walking safaris. The star attraction here however is the river, which is split into small channels by huge piles of granite boulders. Dripping with lush vegetation, these are magical areas to explore on boat crusies, fishing trips and by canoe.

Moving north, to a remote location in the heart of the park, the guides at Musekese Camp are especially knowledgeable. Walking, boat trips and perhaps even a stay in a treehouse hide heighten your immersion in the wilderness. As well as more common species you’ll also have a good chance of sighting the less common – including roan antelope, sable and the delightful oribi.

This trip ends on a high as it reaches the the Busanga Plains. Staying at Mukambi Plains Camp, you’re surrounded by sweeping grasslands and floodplains which attract herds of red lechwe, puku and zebra. The high density of antelope here, expecially during the late dry season, attracts a strong show of predators, from lion and wild dog to Zambia’s best population of cheetah.

Suited to wildlife enthusiasts who wish to explore off the beaten track, this safari offers the chance for great sightings in real wilderness areas – based at small, exclusive camps.

At a glance

Starts: Lusaka International Airport
3 nights KaingU Lodge - Kafue National Park, Zambia Full Board & Activities
3 nights Musekese Camp - Kafue National Park, Zambia Full Board & Activities
3 nights Mukambi Plains Camp - Kafue National Park, Zambia Full Board & Activities
Ends: Lusaka International Airport

KaingU Lodge

Days 1-4

Historically the south of Kafue has been considered the poor relation of the north, but in the last few years KaingU Lodge has gradually started to change opinions on this. This owner-run lodge is set in a stunning location next to the Kafue River, and offers a variety of activities, making the most of the natural surroundings.

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Musekese Camp

Days 4-7

Overlooking a permanent lagoon in the Kafue National Park, Musekese lies in an area of mature riverine trees. Owned and run by the enthusiastic Phil and Tyrone since 2013, it was previously a simple bushcamp on the edge of a floodplain near the Kafue River, but after significant renovations it was shifted in 2016 to an area the owners call “Eden”.

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Mukambi Plains Camp

Days 7-10

Situated at the north western edge of Kafue National Park, Mukambi Plains Camp is a rustic tented property, sheltered under a shady tree island. The north of Kafue National Park is made up of the huge Busanga Plains, a floodplain that dries out in the dry season to create a sweeping grassland, which attracts large numbers of plains game, and with them predators.

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KaingU Lodge

KaingU Lodge

Kafue National Park, Zambia

Musekese Camp

Musekese Camp

Kafue National Park, Zambia

Mukambi Plains Camp

Mukambi Plains Camp

Kafue National Park, Zambia

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Defassa Waterbuck Safari.

  • Canoeing around the Kafue’s islands from KaingU
  • The blue flash of half-collared kingfishers above the water
  • Following leopard tracks on a walking safari
  • Feeling alone in nature: a coffee beneath the star-studded sky
  • Watching lion stalk lechwe on Busanga Plains

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Defassa Waterbuck Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Canoeing

  • Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

  • White-water rafting

About image

Key species to see on the Defassa Waterbuck Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Defassa Waterbuck Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Lion

100% chance

Buffalo

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Roan antelope

100% chance

Wildebeest

100% chance

Leopard

96% chance

Zebra

86% chance

Sable antelope

65% chance

Cheetah

29% chance

Wild dog

21% chance

Spotted Hyena

10% chance

Sitatunga

5% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Eland

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Let us help you customise your trip

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